Arts Editor at The Canberra Times.

Jonathan Crowley speaks to the media following the decision in the ACT Supreme Court last December. Photo: Jeffrey Chan

The family of Jonathan Crowley, who was rendered quadriplegic after being shot by police 11 years ago, have been overwhelmed by support from the public since launching an appeal for help two weeks ago.

Mr Crowley has spent a decade fighting for compensation, and was recently denied $8 million in damages when the ACT Court of Appeal overturned an earlier decision to award him the funds.

His lawyers have lodged appeal documents in the High Court but, in the meantime, his father Keith Crowley said the family would have to sell their home to make ends meet.

Mr Crowley is wheelchair-bound, has ongoing health issues, requires around-the-clock care, and relies on his ageing parents to oversee his care and expenses.

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During a psychotic episode in December 2001, he left the family home with a kendo stick and walked through Chapman chanting religious slogans. He was shot in the neck after two police officers failed to subdue him with capsicum spray.

The day before the shooting, a Mental Health ACT psychologist had recommended Mr Crowley be taken into care at a hospital.

He eventually sued the federal police, the officer who shot him and Mental Health ACT.

Keith Crowley said since setting up an account to receive financial assistance, the family had been encouraged by the many donations that had come through.

He said he hoped the appeal would have an effect on the wider community in terms of guidelines for the use of firearms by police.

Funds can be donated to the family through the Crowley Support Fund at the National Australia Bank, BSB: 082924, Account no: 15-091-8941